A case-control study to elucidate factors contributing to the inability to stand in cattle with enzootic bovine leukosis based on postslaughter inspections

Abstract

Enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) can significantly impact herd productivity. This study aimed to elucidate the factors contributing to the inability of cattle with EBL to stand. A total of 82 cattle with EBL were analyzed, with 40.2% exhibiting an inability to stand. The duration of veterinary therapy was found to be related to severe trauma, leading to the inability to stand. Although an increase in the number of organs affected by tumors showed a trend toward an inability to stand, only spinal canal tumors were identified as directly causing this issue by filling the spinal canal and infiltrating the nerve. Therefore, it is essential to assess EBL in cattle unable to stand without an apparent reason to avoid unnecessary treatments.